Description and Objectives

This class is a half credit, full-year course, that meets every other day.  Its main topics follow the catechetical framework approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  The first of the two topics is the Sacraments*.  For each sacrament, we will study its scriptural basis and its celebration.  The second topic is the “Person of Christ”.  We will begin our study of the “Person of Christ” by going to Sacred Scripture and analyzing commentaries on the scenes of the Gospel.

* Please note that we will study only 5 of the 7 sacraments. The sacraments of Holy Orders and Marriage will be covered in 10^th and 11^th grades respectively.

The two objectives of this course are for students to grow in their understanding of their faith and, second, to get to know Jesus Christ as a person.  Students will be able to give reasons for what they believe: as St. Peter says in Scripture, “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope”.

Textbooks

Textbooks

• The Sacraments: Source of Our Life in Christ, The Didache Series, ISBN 978-1-890177-92-8
• The Case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for Christ by Brant Pitre

 

Outline of Topics Covered

The Sacraments

1. Reconciliation
2. Eucharist
3. Baptism
4. Confirmation
5. Anointing of the Sick
6. Holy Orders (to be covered in 10th grade)
7. Marriage (to be covered in 11th grade)

The Person of Christ

1. The Gospels as historically reliable sources
2. The Incarnation
3. The Passion and Resurrection of Christ
4. Christ is perfect God and perfect man
5. Miracles of Christ as proof of his divinity

Course Requirements

Homework will be due at the start of class; also, students should expect quizzes on all reading assignments.

• 10% Participation and Class Notes
• 20% Homework
• 70% Quizzes, Projects, and Tests

 

Successful Students

Please see course requirements.

Additional Resources

I am available outside of class and will make myself available for extra help whenever an appointment is needed.  And, I encourage parents to contact me with any questions or concerns either by phone or email: jcardenas@heights.edu or (301) 365-0227 ext. 111.